made short work of the city which fell into the invaders' hands,
March 29, 1847, after a week's siege. Scott was quick to recognize
the merit of officers, and Lee was straightway attached to his
personal staff, with the result that when the army began its forward
movement most of the difficult and delicate work was confided to
his care.

Scott's object was the capture of the City of Mexico, the capital
of the Republic, and against this stronghold he moved with energy
and skill. At Cerro Gordo the Mexicans opposed him with considerable
force, but maneuvers, suggested by Lee, enabled him to outflank the
enemy and drive them, without much trouble, from his path. Again
at Contreras a check occurred, part of the army having advanced
over a well-nigh impassable country and lost touch with the
Commander-in-Chief. One after another seven officers were dispatched
to carry the necessary orders, but all returned without effecting
their purpose. But at midnight, in the midst of a torrential storm
Lee arrived from the front, having overcome all difficulties--an
achievement which Scott subsequently described as "the greatest
feat of physical and moral courage performed by any individual in
my knowledge, pending the campaign."

But Lee was more than merely brave and daring. He was thorough.
When work was entrusted to his care he performed it personally,
never relying on others further than was absolutely necessary, and
never resting satisfied until he was certain that he had accomplished
his task. On one of his most important reconnoissances he rode
into the interior of the country at night to locate the position
of the enemy, and after he had proceeded a considerable distance
his guide informed him that if he went any further he would be a